Healthy Habits for More Energy
By Sara Butler
There’s a natural solution to your daily energy slump and it just might be found in your pantry. What you eat can have a big impact on how you feel. Here are a few ideas to help you eat yourself to more energy!
Nurse Your Coffee
If you’re a coffee drinker, then instead of downing one cup in the morning you may want to think about slowing down. Research has shown that a large dose of caffeine in the morning can put you in a low-energy slump later. The best strategy is a low dose of caffeine throughout the day. Just be careful: Some people can have difficulty falling asleep at night if coffee is consumed too late in the day. Make sure to cut yourself off so it doesn’t impact your sleep.
Choose the Right Combination
Sometimes eating two foods together can help your energy level. A good example is combining complex carbohydrates with protein, such as trail mix or whole grain crackers with canned tuna. This will help your energy levels go up without the crash a few hours later. It’s sustainable energy, which is exactly what you’re looking for!
Have Some Iron
If you know you’re getting plenty of good-quality sleep per night but still find yourself dragging the next day, you might have low iron levels. Iron-deficient anemia is a common cause of fatigue because the cells in your body are being deprived of oxygen, which is needed for energy. Risk factors for iron-deficient anemia include:
- Following a plant-based diet
- Having an ulcer
- Internal bleeding
Most people need about 18 milligrams of iron per day. Some great sources of iron, aside from mean, are:
- Baked beans
- Kidney beans
- Spinach
- Dried apricots
- Whole-wheat bread
Pair something iron-rich with Vitamin C, since it will help your body absorb the iron.
Go High Fiber
If you can start your day with a high-fiber meal, then you may be more alert throughout the morning. That’s because high-fiber foods take longer to digest, which helps to keep your blood sugar steady. Throw some protein in with your breakfast and you’re on a good path to a more energized morning! And you don’t have to choke down your grandma’s bran flakes, either. Try whole grain toast with peanut butter and some dried fruit or oatmeal with cinnamon and ground flaxseeds.
You can increase your mood and energy with food, the most natural thing in the world!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Arvada, Colo.